A unique opportunity to quiz CAMRA’s Chief Executive and Chairman arrives for branch members this month.
Both Chief Executive Tim Page and National Chairman Colin Valentine will be at Manchester Central in the heart of the city on the opening day of the Manchester Beer and Cider Festival. Organised by the Greater Manchester branches of CAMRA, the festival is moving and growing after two successful years at the National Cycling Centre.
And with some controversial regional and national issues affecting the country’s largest consumer organisation, organisers are expecting a lively Question Time “session”.
Festival Organiser Graham Donning said: “Recent changes to the local branch coverage, the rise of unfiltered and unpasteurised keg beers and the battle to save pubs from unwanted redevelopment or change of use are all topics I expect to be raised.”
The festival celebrates the diversity of British brewing with over 500 ales, ciders and perries on offer. Foreign beer fans will have a great selection of beers from the ‘big three’ – Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic – as well as a Rest of the World bar.
Tim Page and Colin Valentine will be facing questions from 5.30pm on Wednesday 20th January in the foyer area of Manchester Central. And unlike the BBC programme, this Question Time will welcome those with pints in hand.
National Chairman Colin Valentine is no stranger to the festival. “I was invited to the Velodrome in 2013 to see how the local branches had reinvented the concept in such a different setting. I’m sure the move to an even bigger venue will make for a great experience for all drinkers. It’s always great to hear from as many of our 170,000 members as possible. Greater Manchester is a growth area for members and breweries, so I don’t think there’ll be any awkward silences.”
The festival runs from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd January 2016. Free or reduced price admission is available to CAMRA card holders. Advance tickets can be obtained through the festival website, www.mancbeerfest.uk.